Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new examinations and clarification of the service connection theory.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected cervical and back disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 23, 2017, for RLE radiculopathy; nor did it support a rating in excess of 20 percent from March 23, 2017, for cervical and back disabilities.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine has been manifested by frequent incapacitating flare ups that limit motion and activities of daily living. The criteria for a 40 percent rating have been met or more nearly approximated for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employment.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active duty service. The claims for higher ratings and effective dates have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and theories of causation, including service connection for various disabilities allegedly related to poisoning during service. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, schedule appropriate VA examinations, and consider the Veteran's claims in light of his reported exposures.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is presumed to have been incurred as a result of her service in the Southwest Asia theater during the Persian Gulf War. Service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, including osteoarthritis, is granted based on objective indications of chronic disability resulting from undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained multisymptom illness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle and foot disabilities are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active duty. The preponderance of the evidence does not support the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for his right knee and TDIU were withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his left knee disability and right knee instability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of the interrelated issues.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, as well as his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, right knee scars, and status post fractured sternum.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied by the Board, as the evidence did not show forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities, including lower back strain, bilateral knee and ankle disorders, are not related to service or any injury sustained therein.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is being remanded due to the need to secure additional VA treatment records and conduct further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for stiffness of the hips and knees, a low back disability, increased evaluations for trench foot disabilities, and an increased evaluation for chronic cough. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's right knee is currently rated at 10 percent for post-operative ACL repair and arthritis, but the appeal was denied for a higher rating. A separate 10 percent rating was granted for symptomatic residuals of meniscectomy.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for his right knee disability and TDIU were dismissed as withdrawn prior to his death, and the widow is not eligible for substitution.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the VA examiner regarding whether his current conditions are related to his military service and considering the combat presumption.